Erik Johannes
Business Development Executive
Sports are an important contributor to our shared social fabric, and we have a chance to shape that at Mortenson.
Building cathedrals for sport
As a huge sports fan, knowing that we are building the venues where sports fans make their memories drives my passion. There's something profound about constructing spaces that will host generations of unforgettable moments — championship victories, record-breaking performances, and the collective energy of thousands of fans united by their love of the game. Every beam we raise, every seat we install, every sightline we perfect contributes to experiences that people will carry with them for a lifetime. We are creating the cathedrals for sport, and it's inspiring to know I am playing a role in that.
Cultivating courage
My late Grandma gave me advice I've carried throughout my career: "Be strong, have faith, and courage in yourself, and you will succeed." I often apply this principle to our projects at Mortenson, where we regularly face challenges that test our resolve and push us beyond what we thought possible. In construction, uncertainty is constant — unexpected site conditions, compressed timelines, design complexities — and it takes real courage to step up, make decisions, and lead teams through ambiguity. At Mortenson we don’t just encourage this tenacity; we cultivate it.
From blueprints to reality
I've been fascinated by stadiums and arenas since childhood, re-creating venues with Legos and filling notebooks with my "blueprints." That early passion evolved into a career where I get to help bring these spaces to life. The combination of creativity, problem-solving, and the tangible impact of our work at Mortenson keeps me coming back every day. Every project presents unique challenges, and there's something incredibly satisfying about turning complex visions into reality — spaces where communities gather, teams compete, and memories are made for generations.
PERSONAL PASSIONS
Our projects create meaningful jobs locally and provide communities with an essential "third space" where they collectively cheer on their team, regardless of their background. Sports is an important contributor to our shared social fabric, and we have a chance to shape that at Mortenson.
MORTENSON MOMENT
GEODIS Park was the first project win I contributed to at Mortenson, and I've always had fond memories and a soft spot for GEODIS Park because of that timing. Having started my career working in Major League Soccer, it has been fulfilling to see Mortenson play a significant role in the build-out of modern soccer-specific stadiums.
INTERESTS
- Watching sports (Minnesota Vikings/Twins/Timberwolves/United FC, Oregon Ducks, Arsenal)
- Traveling
- Spending time with my wife and 2 dogs
HOME STATE
Minnesota
INDUSTRY TENURE
8 years of construction